Lavest Whisenton, age 27, of Bassett, Virginia is being charged with second degree murder in the death of Cory Thomas also of Bassett according to Henry County Sheriff’s Office. Whisenton was indicted yesterday, November 16, 2015. Cory Thomas was last seen on October 31, 2010 in Henry County. Thomas was driving a burgundy 2004 Chevrolet Blazer. The Chevrolet Blazer was found, abandoned, on Highway 220 in the Oak Level area of Henry County on November 1, 2010 by the Virginia State Police. On March 2, 2011, decomposed human remains were discovered in a wooded area behind an abandoned residence located at 330 Woodland Road in Bassett. The human remains were identified as that of Cory Thomas through the comparison of known dental records. Authorities say through the investigation it was determined that Thomas was beaten to death and his body was taken to Woodland Road. At the time of his disappearance, warrants were still outstanding against Cory Thomas in reference to the homicide of Jason Miller who was found on November 17, 2010 in a shallow grave on Penrose Lane in Henry County. Patrick Gilbert, age 34, of Bassett VA. was later convicted of conspiracy to commit murder and conceal evidence in the death of Miller. Investigators believe drugs and the murder of Jason Miller is the motive for Cory Thomas’ homicide. Lavest Whisenton is currently an inmate in the Virginia prison system on unrelated charges. He will be transferred back to Henry County for the indictment to be served.
